4-Layer Everything Bars – Wallflour Girl

🛒 Ingredients (Check Off As You Measure)

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 tsp sea salt flakes (for topping)

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting.
2. In a bowl, mix flour and granulated sugar. Cut in cold butter with a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you make the cookie layer.
4. In another bowl, whisk the egg with brown sugar and melted butter until smooth. Stir in the chocolate chips, then dollop the mixture over the crust and spread gently.
5. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top, sprinkle with sea salt, and bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges are golden and the center is just set. Cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.
6. Once cool, lift out using the parchment, slice into 16 bars, and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container.